Here's my Loaded in its current and final state, after a couple changes:

They're great out of the box 1911s, despite mine having some initial issues. SA CS is great to deal with if you ever have to. I picked mine up from my LGS new for $801 (they can do it for you too, PM me for their contact info if you're interested) and for that price I'm very happy. If I were going anywhere north of a grand, I would step up to a Dan Wesson.

Wow lots of great looking 1911's in here! My LGS had a used blued/parkarized for $515 6 months ago and I kick myself in the butt for not picking it up. I've been pondering getting a Loaded, Range Officer, or SR1911. Time will tell but the only one in stock around here is the RO. Lol

I have a SS Springfield loaded, almost too tight to field strip. It also has an excellent trigger, right out of the box. I haven't picked up a Ruger, but they have the little channel that holds the link pin and safety detent ball, cast as part of the frame. So a magazine article said.

I think Colt is overpriced, for what you get now. I'd buy a Rock Island Arsenal over the current Colt.

I'm thinking about buying my first 1911.I want a 5" stainless and would like to be under $1,000.00 if I can find one in that price range that will make me happy.The S.A. Loaded is one of the front runners,it already has the ambidextrous safety,wich would be nice since I'm a lefty.I'm not big on mods but you never know,would this be an ok platform to start with?As long as it shoots good,I wouldn't want to do much.Is there any real reason you wouldn't want one?I've looked a Ruger SR1911 and it looked ok but I didn't think it looked as good as the S.A. Loaded.Is there any 5" stainless under a $1,000.00 that would be better?Thanks!

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